This match is set to be Pepe Mel's first match as the new manager of West Bromwich Albion over a month after Steve Clarke parted ways with the club following a run of 4 straight defeats and an abysmal 2013. Since the Scotsman's departure West Brom have taken 6 points from a possible 15 in the league only losing to Southampton at the weekend in those 5 games. West Brom also were knocked out of the FA Cup at home to fellow Premier League relegation candidates Crystal Palace. West Brom are currently 3 points above the drop-zone in 14th place.

West Brom's top scorer Saido Berahino has scored 3 of his 4 goals from the bench this season. The England Under 21 player has scored more goals from the bench than any other player and has recently forced himself into the starting line up under caretaker Keith Downing. Fellow striker Matej Vydra who was the championship's top scorer last season with Watford has also made an impact from the bench.

Possible Line-Ups

Everton

Everton extended their unbeaten run to 4 games in all competitions following their blip against Sunderland at home on boxing day. Everton have taken 21 points from their last ten games dropping 2 points to Stoke, Liverpool and Arsenal and 3 points to Sunderland. Only Chelsea (25) and Manchester City (28) have achieved more points in the same space of time.

Everton are holding their own amongst competitors this season. Albeit having played less games than most other top half teams, they have taken the third most amount of points and are 3 points behind Chelsea in this mini league having played two games fewer. Trips to Liverpool and Tottenham are next in line for Everton in terms of playing teams in the top half.

Stats and Injuries

There are no definite casualties for West Brom going into this game as Victor Anichebe and Goran Popov are both set to return in this match whilst Billy Jones and Stephane Sessegnon could also be fit in time. Everton will definitely be without long term injuries Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone whilst Ross Barkley is set to miss out with suspected broken toe. This could be a game too early for Gerard Deulofeu whilst Sylvain Distin could return.

Tough game, just like any other away game in the premiership. As long as Paul Sharner is safely back in Austria and doesn't magically appear on the bench I'm going for us to sneak this but will be a tough game. Lukaku and a McGeady with a debut winner, 2-1.